Integrated circuit power supply having piecewise linearity
US5552739A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05F1/465
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A power supply for an integrated circuit has a piecewise linear operating characteristic for improved integrated circuit testing and screening. In an integrated circuit that receives an externally applied power signal, designated V.sub.CCX, and includes a power supply for generating an internal operating voltage, designated V.sub.CCR, an on-chip power supply circuit provides V.sub.CCR as a piecewise linear function of V.sub.CCX. In a first segment of such a function, V.sub.CCR approximates V.sub.CCX for efficient low voltage operations. In a second segment, used for normal operations of the integrated circuit, V.sub.CCR rises gradually with V.sub.CCX so that test results at the edges of the segment can be guaranteed with a margin for measurement tolerance, process variation, and derating. In a third segment, V.sub.CCR follows below V.sub.CCX at a predetermined constant offset. Transitions between segments are smooth due to nonlinear devices used in the power supply circuitry. When used in a dynamic random access memory integrated circuit, operation in the first segment provides data retention at low power consumption. Operation in the second segment supports speed grading individua…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.